In today’s digital age, data security and privacy is a real concern due to cyber threats across every industry. Healthcare is also one of the major industries that are facing similar concern as they heavily rely on digital solutions for data recording. Critical healthcare data related to patients are at high risk as hackers can easily gain access to that information from a centralized data storage system. Once patients share their health information and social security numbers with the hospitals, insurance companies and clinics, they do not get a clear idea regarding who all are getting access to those information. Blockchain technology has emerged as a potential solution to these data security challenges in healthcare. The following section discusses the role of blockchain in healthcare data management and security.
Present Data Security Challenges in Healthcare
Before exploring the mechanism of blockchain data storage systems it is important to understand the existing challenges of data security in healthcare. The traditional method of healthcare data storage is a centralized system, in which patients’ information is stored in a single local database of the hospitals, clinics and insurance companies. This centralised data storage system is susceptible to hacking, unauthorized access and other cyber thefts.
By hacking a single local database of a hospital or clinic, a hacker can gain access to the entire database with critical health information of millions of patients. Studies have shown that in the recent past the healthcare sector has faced enormous data breaches. As a result, critical information on medical history, insurance data and social security numbers of millions of patients got exposed.
Apart from these, patients’ privacy is greatly hampered under the centralized data storage system. After sharing health related information with the healthcare providers or insurance companies they do not have any control over the databases that store their information. Blockchain in healthcare can solve these problems by offering a decentralised, transparent and secure data storage framework.
How Blockchain Enhance Data Security
The key features of blockchain include decentralization and immutability. It enables data storage in a distributive network allowing every stakeholder to have access to the database. Additionally, once a data is recorded in the blockchain framework it becomes immutable making it impossible for hackers to modify or tamper any information.
Implementing blockchain in healthcare can prevent unauthorised access of patients’ sensitive information. Moreover, the data would not be under control of a singular entity but will be shared with all the stakeholders including patients. Some of the key benefits of implementing blockchain in healthcare are:
Decentralization and Security Enhancement
The decentralized nature of blockchain has enhanced healthcare data security to great extent. Unlike the traditional single database storage systems that were accessible by a single group or individual, information in a blockchain is shared with all stakeholders. Moreover, the blockchain comprises multiple blocks connected in a chain of networks.
Each block contains specific encrypted medical information. If anyone attempts to modify any particular information from a single block, the entire chain becomes invalid. This makes it extremely challenging or impossible for hackers to change any information as they need to alter all the information stored in all the other blocks. As a result, sensitive information like patients’ diagnosis, line of treatments, and other history remains secured.
Encrypted Data Storage
Blockchain technology uses cryptographic algorithms. This ensures that the data entered in each of the blocks are encrypted and are only accessible by authorized parties. This provides an extra protection to healthcare data and allows healthcare organizations to comply with regulations such as HIPAA. HIPAA mandates healthcare providers to ensure absolute protection of patients’ information.
Patient-Controlled Health Records
Blockchain technology allows patients to access the block chain and control who can access the information. This transparency safeguards patients’ privacy and security since many important and confidential information such as social security numbers are shared with the healthcare organizations. Having access to blockchain technology, patient can have a clear perception regarding who are have access to their information and what purposes they are used for.
Conclusion
Blockchain in healthcare has a revolutionary effect. Blockchain benefits not ony healthcare providers but also safeguards patients’ privacy. With encryption algorithms blockchain technology prevents fradulent interference and data laundering of patients’ information. On the other hand, it allows healthcare organizations to meet compliance requirements and maintain their database security.